Washing and anointing are significant practices mentioned in the Bible, and they carry deep spiritual and symbolic meanings. These rituals are primarily found in the Old Testament and are associated with purification, consecration, and the preparation for religious service. These practices have biblical significance as well as significance in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this article, we will discuss washing and anointing in the bible, and how modern religions continue to use these traditions, such as Mormon washing and anointing.
Washing: Purification and Cleansing
Washing in the Bible is often associated with purification and cleanliness, both physically and spiritually. For example, in the Law of Moses, various forms of ritual washing were prescribed to maintain ceremonial purity. One such example is found in Leviticus 15:13, where it states, “When he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.”
Additionally, priests were required to wash themselves before performing their duties in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Exodus 30:18-21 describes this practice: “You shall also make a basin of bronze, with its stand of bronze, for washing. You shall put it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it, with which Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet. When they go into the tent of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn a food offering to the Lord, they shall wash with water, so that they may not die.”
Beyond physical cleanliness, washing also symbolizes the cleansing of sin and impurity. In Psalms, washing is used metaphorically to represent spiritual purification, as seen in Psalm 51:2: “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!”
Washing, or ritual immersion, has also been a major part of Jewish tradition for laypersons. Washing in a special bath called a mikveh was necessary for entrance to the temple, as well as for participation in other ceremonies. After the destruction of the temple, ritual immersion was and is still a part of Jewish practice. Men often use the mikveh before Sabbath worship and weddings, women use the mikveh before weddings and after childbirth and menstruation.
Caption: Mikvah Mei Chaya Mushka in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, courtesy of user: Mk17b
Many Christian religions ritually wash, and call this ceremony baptism. Baptism is believed by Christians to be a necessary ceremony for salvation. Some believe baptism is necessary for babies to be purified of original sin. Other religions like Mormonism, believe that the earliest age for baptism is 8 years old, which is the age that people become accountable for their choices.
Anointing: Consecration and Sanctification
Anointing in the Bible signifies consecration and sanctification. Anointing is done with olive oil and it is usually placed on the head of the person being anointing. It was a significant act for consecrating priests, kings, and prophets for their sacred roles. For instance, Exodus 29:7 instructs, “You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him.” Similarly, 1 Samuel 16:13 recounts, “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward.”
Anointing was also used for healing and blessing individuals, believed to have divine properties that could bring about physical and spiritual healing. James 5:14 states, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”
In the Christian tradition, both The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Roman Catholic Church anoint the sick. In Roman Catholicism, anointing the sick is one of the seven essential sacraments. In Mormonism, anyone who is sick can ask for a blessing from a Melchizedek priesthood holder. In this blessing, the sick person is first anointed with consecrated olive oil, and then a blessing is offered by the priesthood holder.
In the New Testament, anointing often symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in a believer’s life. Jesus Christ is referred to as the Anointed One (Messiah), indicating His divine appointment and empowerment by the Holy Spirit, as highlighted in Luke 4:18: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.”
Washing and Anointing Together
In some instances, washing and anointing are performed together, particularly in the consecration of priests. This combination underscores the importance of both purification and sanctification in religious service. Leviticus 8:6, 12 illustrates this practice: “And Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water… And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.”
The symbolic meanings of washing and anointing are profound. The act of washing symbolizes the need for believers to be pure before approaching God, emphasizing the importance of repentance and cleansing from sin. Anointing with oil signifies the setting apart and empowering of individuals for divine service, indicating that they are chosen and blessed by God for a specific purpose. Additionally, anointing for healing reflects the belief in God’s power to restore physical and spiritual health through the act of anointing.
In the LDS Faith, there is a temple ceremony that includes washing and anointing, Mormon. It is reminiscent of the biblical washing and anointing that priests underwent before being clothed in their priestly garments. Similarly, in LDS Temples, after the washing and anointing portion of the temple ceremony, members are instructed to wear garments–religious underclothing that reminds them of their temple promises.
Conclusion
Washing and anointing in the Bible are rich with symbolic meanings, serving as powerful reminders of the need for purification, consecration, and divine empowerment. These practices highlight the importance of approaching God with a pure heart and being dedicated to His service, underscoring the transformative power of divine rituals in the lives of believers. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, washing and anointing are significant elements of various rituals and covenants of the church. Washing and anointing are also precursors to wearing the Mormon endowment garment.
By Todd Noall, Source Expert
Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.
Fact Checked by Mr. Kevin Prince, Source Expert
Kevin Prince is a religious scholar and host of the Gospel Learning Youtube channel. His channel has garnered over 41,000 subscribers and accumulated over 4.5 million views. Mr. Prince also created the Gospel Learning App, a reliable platform where individuals seeking truth can access trustworthy answers to religious questions from top educators worldwide.
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